Grga Pitic: "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Nambawan!

I carried you up a sand dune before you died
—a big sand dune,

just to watch the sunset.

I drove in the rain to see you in the hospital

when I was still learning how to drive.

I cried at your funeral, but my heart didn’t break

until I saw that single rose.

I wonder what you would think

if you had seen all

that you did not see.

Would you be as optimistic as you were

when you had no reason for optimism?

What would have mattered to you?

Would you be just as cheerful?

Would you still be the meek peacemaker?

And what of your husband

and motherhood?

Never mind, I know these answers.

Forty years on

—I know them.

I carried you up a sand dune.

Remember?

  Bill Lapham Oct 20, 2014 9:41 AM